Grits with Grace

Family, food, friends, gratitude, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Beautiful

Posted on September 12, 2023September 11, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. Let the fields and everything in them celebrate. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy.” Psalm 96:11-12

I was surrounded by beauty. As I write this I am in the holy land—no, not the one where Jesus lived—the one where people eat grits regularly and without sugar. My wife Judy and I are in Carrolton, Georgia visiting with my sister Agnes and JW. Even though we have been in the Midwest for 43 years, in Southern (and I do mean Southern) Illinois for 37 years and in Southeastern Illinois for 23 years, we still deeply enjoy returning to the land of our roots. You can take the boy and his girl out of the South but you can’t take the South out of them.

During our time here so far, we have seen several things that are beautiful. During my time at my sister’s home, I would walk in the mornings. They live in a delightful neighborhood with many beautiful homes. As I walked the quiet streets, I can honestly say I appreciated the beauty of the neighborhood. But remember, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

One day, a great couple, good friends of Agnes and JW, treated them and us to a day on a beautiful and large lake in Northern Alabama. Now it truly must have been Northern because neither of our two new friends ate grits but they sure were nice people. We boated around this huge lake for several hours admiring the magnificent homes. It was a beautiful site to behold. But remember, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Well, Agnes and JW own a small home on a small lake in the country and we were also able to spend a few days there. Because of the design of home, which is a simple studio style one bedroom and bath, they call their place, “The Gazebo at Lake Tisinger.” Their place sits right on the lake…again not a large lake but one that is strictly private because there is no public access. There were no speed boats, no crowds, nothing except the beauty of nature. Most of the shore line was filled with old growth trees.

So this morning I woke up, got my coffee, and walked outside and was just overwhelmed with the beautiful scene before me. There, mirrored on the calm waters, was the reflection of the trees and the freshly minted blue sky of another of God’s days. It was magnificent and I realized that as much as I enjoyed my sister’s beautiful neighborhood, and as much as I enjoyed seeing the magnificent homes on that much larger lake…it paled to the beauty of God’s handiwork. Beauty is in the eyes on the beholder and from where I sat, I knew I was seeing and enjoying one of God’s best works.

God never makes a mistake and He always gets it right but sometimes it just seems He goes over the top. I think this time He did exactly that. Of course, I guess He does it a lot doesn’t He? Whether it is a cradle in a stable or a well used Roman cross on hilltop or an empty tomb—He does all things well. Our challenge is to be sure and take the time to see, enjoy, and admire all that He does. Does that really matter? Yes, it really does. When we learn to see and admire His handiwork, it reminds us to believe, understand, and know that no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

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Dessert or Desert

Posted on September 25, 2026September 24, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Hmmm…I said. I like to talk, and I guess it can be said I like to write. When I write I love to use words in special ways. One of those is playing words off one another—using the same word in the same sentence in a different way. I’ve found that I often bump into words that can dramatically change in meaning by changing just one letter. Here’s an example. First, we have the word dessert. Now this is one of my favorite words because of all the images that pop into my mind. In one corner of my brain, a picture of a perfectly prepared pecan pie appears. Over in another corner is my daughter’s apple crumb pie. Oh my, is that good! Wait, over there is my friend Maggie’s fried pecan pies. And then over there is the dessert display case at my favorite local restaurant. It is filled with pies, cakes, cookies and cream horns.

Well, now that we are all drooling you can almost taste the word dessert. Even if you are not a fan of sweets surely it made you salivate just a little. Now we are going to change just one small letter. Are you ready? We are going to go from dessert to desert. Wait? What? Yup, just remove one “s” in the word and we go from sweets heaven to the Sahara. We go from visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads to sand…lots of sand. Now we are not thinking about pleasure but rather pain. There is not abundance…there is leanness. Just like the word dessert makes our mouth water…desert makes us thirsty. And it all happens by removing one small letter.

What is true with words is also true about birds. I was reading the other day, and it talked about two different kinds of birds. Even though they are radically different, the bottom line is they are still both birds. Both defy gravity and fly, and both have feathers. One is one (there’s that play on words) of the smallest birds in the world and the other is one of the larger ones. One is tiny and cute and the other is large and ugly. One is a hummingbird and the other is a vulture. Both birds…but both miles apart…just like our words dessert and desert.

One of the ways the birds are different is their eating habits. The hummingbird spends it’s time zipping around our yard, going from feeder to feeder and flower to flower looking for “dessert.” Their diet consists of a few small sips of sweet, nectar. The vulture, on the other hand, soars overhead. He could care less about something sweet—he is looking for his next meal too but his is a “desert” or to put it plainly…something dead. Both are birds, but both are entirely different. Their differences may seem big, but really, they are not. You might say they are separated by a letter or two.

You know, that is true about us. We really aren’t that different and yet…we are. Each one of us is uniquely made by God. You might say we are each handcrafted by the Master craftsman of it all. An old children’s song that used to float around the Christian music world said, “Look all the world over, there’s no one like me…no one like me. Look all the world over, there’s no one exactly like me.” God made each one of us different…on purpose. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same.

Now my intention when I started writing this story was to say how in our world we should be more like the hummingbird and look for sweetness than the vulture who looks for death and decay. But as I wrote I realized the bigger truth is that we should just be who we are…and allow others to do the same. Skin color, economic status, music tastes, piercings and tats or not…we are all uniquely made. I wonder how much better the world would be if we learned to love one another. I mean after all, the biggest sign that a person is a Jesus follower is not if we go to church but if we love other people. How about that?

So, the next time you are in a bakery…or your backyard…remember that we aren’t as different as we seem. Rather than judge and criticize, why not go ahead and see people as creations of God. After all,…the Bible does say He loved everybody enough to send His Son to die on a Roman cross…everybody. And if you happen to know that story…then be sure and spread it around. It is the best news ever. And while you’re chatting with that person, be sure and let them know that there is Someone who, no matter what, has it under control. Tell them that, “He’s got this…no matter what this or that is.” Bro. Dewayne

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Proximity Promise

Posted on September 24, 2026September 23, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

I just needed to know. This may cost me my man-card, but it is the truth. When I was a kid—I was afraid—a lot. I was afraid of what might happen, I was afraid of what did happen—or at least the consequences. I was afraid sometimes in broad daylight and many times in the dark—especially in the dark. It was not uncommon for me to lie in bed on a hot Florida night (with no air conditioning), covered up to my nose, listening and waiting for the monsters of the night to come and devour me. Every sound outside my window, every creak on the floor was certainly a sign that they—whoever they were—were coming to get me.

I probably knew in my young mind that monsters weren’t real. I probably even knew that there were no chainsaw murderers lurking in my neighborhood. I knew that we had probably remembered to lock our doors and that would probably keep us safe. Probably. And I guess it was all the probable’s that caused the problem.

Because of all that, and a whole bunch more, sometimes, many times, I would sneak into my parents’ bedroom and quietly lay down on the floor where I would fall asleep. You see, just knowing that Daddy was close by made everything better. I somehow managed to believe that no matter how big the monster, the threat, my Daddy could and would keep me safe. There was never any doubt that he would do his best to protect us—me. Why? Well, in my limited world, that was just what daddies did. Even if I was bad—he was still there for me.

That all seemed so logical because I believed it. Now for the question that really matters. If I believed that, why do I wrestle with trusting my Dearest Daddy with my present—and future? Why is it that somehow I struggle to believe that if I fail Him—He will fail me? Why do I believe that my performance determines His proximity? Now there is the root of the problem. Too often we believe that God only sticks around because we get it right and should we not get it right—He is gone.

Well, the truth is that is a lie. You see, God loves us with absolute perfection. He is constant and steady in His affection for us. There is nothing we can do to make God love us more or less, and furthermore there is nothing that we can do to cause Him to abandon us. Once again—His proximity to us is not determined by our performance. It is based solely on His character as a loving Father.

While we probably won’t be totally free from fear this side of heaven, we can find peace in knowing that our Dearest Daddy is close by—very close by—and nothing is going to change that. So, when the unknown rattles your world, when darkness closes in around you, lay down and take a nap knowing that your Father is close by. No matter what the threat—no matter what the fear—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

communication, food, friends, Grace, life, Scripture, sovereignty of God

Lost and Found

Posted on September 23, 2026September 22, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

They were as lost as a gaggle of geese. A couple of years ago, we had a large gathering of people from several states. While they were diverse…they had one big thing in common—they all had a heart for children and families. Each person there represented a different ministry that ministered to families and children. It was an annual meeting held in a different state each year. Thay year it was Illinois’ time to host the meeting. A friend was kind enough to allow them to use her large Airbnb located out in the country—way out in Shawnee Forest country.

Our church was serving the meal, and I was speaking. When it came time for me to head out to “the farm” I had to choose which way I wanted to go. There was the regular route and the road less traveled. I was at the point of decision when at the very last minute I changed my mind and chose the road less traveled. I was taking my time since I had a little time to kill. Before long I was out in the country and on the road less traveled. Driving at a blazing 35 miles an hour, I saw a van coming toward me…followed by another vehicle. It was then I noticed it.

It was an arm sticking out the window and flagging me down. I thought maybe there was a deer in the road ahead but not at all. As we came side by side, he asked a question, “Do you know where Nan’s farm is?” These folks were hopelessly lost and had apparently been so for a while. I assured them I did (especially since that was where I was going) and told him to follow me. I gave them time to turn around and before long we were at the farm—safe and sound.

As it turned out, these folks had been calling the already arrived group trying to get directions to the farm. The problem was exasperated by the fact they had no clue where they were. As we pulled into the driveway, they were sending someone to find them. The good news is they found me first. That makes this story have a “happy ever after” ending. They got where they were going—in time for supper—and I got to be the hero—leading them to their destination.

Probably the only reason this story earned a Grits story is one simple fact. Back in Harrisburg, I made a last-minute decision to go “the road less traveled.” Had I gone the way I always went…well, they might still be lost today. Smile. One simple decision changed everything, and do you know what? I don’t think it was an accident. I believe the timing and the route I took was one of those God things that people talk about. I don’t believe it was a coincidence or an accident—I believe it was just one more example of our Dearest Daddy looking out for His kids. I believe He does that—a lot.

Whether you are the one led to change lanes at the last minute or the one hopelessly lost, you need to know that your Dearest Daddy is watching out for you. You see, with Him watching, you are never as lost as you think you are. After all—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Scripture, life, travel, heaven

Planes, Trains, A Ship and Automobiles

Posted on September 22, 2026September 21, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“How did you get there?” So in 1987 there was a movie entitled, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and from what I know, which is very little, it is a comedy about a couple guys on a happenstance road trip to somewhere. And, I suppose, it involved them traveling on planes, trains and automobiles. One thing my wife Judy and I have learned is if you are going somewhere you need a way to get there. In the case of our last journey, we started out by driving to Carbondale to catch a train. We rode the train to the Chicago train station and then caught another train to the Chicago airport. From there we caught an airplane heading to Seattle, Washington.

After arriving in Seattle, we boarded a cruise ship to Alaska. Wait…don’t leave…we are going somewhere…no pun intended. After seven days we returned to Seattle and rented a car and drove all around Washington State, Oregon and Northern California. Nine days later we headed back to Seattle, caught another airplane back to Chicago where we caught another train back to Carbondale where our son-in-law picked us up and dropped us off at home. Whew. What a journey…planes, trains, a ship and automobiles.

Now let’s get where we were going. You see, there are lots of ways (as in modes of transportation) and ways (as in flight paths, train paths and roadways) to get to all those places. The options are many and varied. And in life I suppose that is true too. Each day is filled with decisions that will take us down the various paths of life. But remember this…choose carefully because some our better than others. In fact, some can lead to disasters and some can cause us to get lost. Choose carefully.

But here’s the real point. When it comes to heaven–there is only one way and one path. It has been said that all roads lead to Rome but trust me–all roads do not lead to heaven. It has also been said that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe in something. Wrong again. It is not enough to just believe–you have to believe in the right thing–or in this case the right Person. You see, the Bible makes it crystal clear that the way to Heaven is through believing in Jesus Christ. More specifically it is believing in who He is–the Son of God and what He did–dying for our sins and resurrecting (or coming back to life) after three days. If we are willing to put our faith in Him then God is willing to forgive our sins and allow us to spend eternity in heaven with Him.

Yup–there are lots of ways to lots of places but when it comes to heaven–only One will work. If you want to know more, why not get a Bible and read what God says about you and Jesus and how you can go to heaven when it comes time to leave here. I know one of the things that Judy and I enjoy about our trips is the variety of travel. I also know that the most important thing in making plans for Heaven is getting it right–doing what God says and going the way He says. Just ask Him and He will tell you all about it in His Word. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Scripture, life, travel, thankful, gratitude

And Now You Know!

Posted on September 21, 2026September 20, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20

So what in the world do y’all do? Now that is a good question. Perhaps it all started with our twelve years in the Air Force and especially our three years stationed in Germany. The bottom line is my wife Judy and I have always loved to travel. As you can imagine that was a little difficult during my 42 years as a pastor. When your calendar is defined by Sundays, Wednesdays and holidays…well, it somewhat limited our travel opportunities. With that said, we both were so grateful for the mission trips the church allowed us to lead and for the vacation time the church granted us. I always chuckled when we would escape for vacation and someone would invariably say, “Is that preacher gone again?” And I guess we were.

So when retirement came we immediately embraced and enjoyed the freedom that it granted. And in the last two years, three months and twenty days we have travelled with abandon. Sometimes it was another continent, sometimes another country or state and sometimes, well, just another city. But wherever and whenever, we have enjoyed our journeys. And here is the part that is most important…at least for us. Our travels don’t take us to the biggest and best amusement parks…no it usually takes us to places were we can see and embrace this wonderful creation of God. Nothing thrills us more than to just look and see what God has done. Whether it is a majestic mountain, a cool mountain stream or a thundering waterfall, we see the handiwork of God. And we look, we ooh and awe, we smile and grin and we talk about it.

This latest trip took us to the Alaskan Inner Passage and several small towns along the coast. It also took us to and through the Olympic National Park where we saw Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. We followed the Washington Coast and drove over to the Columba River Gorge where we saw waterfalls that were so tall they seemed to fall straight from heaven. We laid in a backyard and just looked at the stars and the satellites as they raced across the sky. We even saw the International Space Station doing the same. We spent some time walking the Oregon Coast listening to the mighty Pacific Ocean thunder before driving down to see the mighty Redwoods in Northern California. Yup…it was amazing and I suppose I’ll be writing about some it in the coming days.

Now here is the amazing thing. Right here in Southern Illinois, just next door in the Shawnee National Forest, or maybe just down the road or in your own neighborhood, we…you…can see the handiwork of God. Every sunrise and sunset, every cloud and ever changing leaf all shout the God of creation. So whether you travel like Judy and I or whether you just like to sit in the backyard and have a cup of coffee, be sure and look for God because surely He is there just waiting to sit with you. Take the time to enjoy Him for surely…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

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It’s A Grits Sabbatical

Posted on September 18, 2026August 27, 2026 by Dewayne Taylor

“The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

Hi Grits family. First and foremost a big thank you for reading our short stories with big truths. You are very much appreciated. The Bible talks a lot about Sabbath’s and taking time to rest. After all, even God took a break after six days of creating. He gave us the Sabbath because He knew the importance of taking a break.

As you probably know since my retirement we have had so much more freedom to do the things we enjoy and near the top of that list is having time to travel. So with that said, my wife Judy and I will be unavailable for a while but Grits will be coming back around the middle of September.

Now remember, you can always go to our website “gritswithgrace.com” and search all the articles that we have published over the years. For those of you who use this as part of your devotional life, this would be a great way to continue to supplement your daily devotions. Thank you again for reading and we look forward to seeing you in mid-September. God bless and remember, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

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